Sinbad could see fantastic structures on the surrounding hills, but clutching the Great Precious Stone, he went directly to the two great cedars. The Great Precious Stone seemed to glow as he grew closer. The cedars appeared to be a gateway into a land beyond. Sinbad remembered the prophecy, "Face north-west from the gate guarded by green--find what now lies hidden, unseen. Forty or fifty, according to your stride, you will find wondrous things inside."
Sinbad ducked his head and stood in the bare, sheltered area between the two tall trees. He took a breath, faced north-west, and began to step. Before he reached the count of 50, he could see that he could go no farther. The valley beyond teemed with the noise of great beasts, streaming north and south as if patrolling this cliffside.
Searching along the barrier, Sinbad found a carefully hidden cask. He opened the cask, unscrewing the lid for greatest access, eager to leave his mark on the log book he knew he would find inside. He wondered what storied travelers, treasure, or marvelous stamp he would find inside. "The stamp within must remain," he muttered, "for the good of all who play this game."